To the editor:

When I read John Surratt’s powerful column in the July 19 Post (We aren’t anywhere great again) my first reaction was “Wow! This guy sure can write!”  My second was “I wonder how many angry Letters to the Editor will he inspire?”

My third reaction was more thoughtful: “Thank God for freedom of the press, and thank God that in America that I, too, have freedom to speak my mind!” For I know that if he had been published in many other countries, a journalist like Mr. Surratt, and any of his open admirers, might well have been shot down in the street or, at the least, been thrown in jail on trumped up charges.

Not happening in America! The debate on the greatness of America or the lack thereof, will freely continue. And that is one main reason why I believe our country, with all its present imperfections, is still great!

Norma R. Jones

Vicksburg